title: The role of viruses in autoreactive B cell activation within tertiary lymphoid structures in autoimmune diseases.
abstract: TLS, characterized by the formation of ectopic B/T cell follicles with FDCs supporting an ectopic GC response, have been described in the target organs of several autoimmune diseases, including MS, RA, SS, and autoimmune thyroiditis. These structures represent functional niches, whereby autoreactive B cells undergo in situ affinity maturation and differentiation to autoantibody-producing cells, thus contributing to the progression and persistence of autoimmunity. Increasing evidence demonstrates that TLS can also develop in the context of cancer, as well as chronic infections. In this review, we collect recent evidences that highlights the relationship between persistent viral infection and the development of ectopic lymphoid structures in animal models and patients. Furthermore, we shall discuss the concept that whereas in physiological conditions, inducible TLS are critical for viral clearance and the establishment of protective immunity, but in the context of susceptible individuals, persistent viral infections may contribute, directly or indirectly, to the development of breach of tolerance against self-antigens and the development of autoimmunity through the formation of TLS.
authors.affiliation: 1.William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine & Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, John Vane Science Centre, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK. m.bombardieri@qmul.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lucchesi
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bombardieri
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000956:Antigens, Viral / Q000276:immunology; D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D001402:B-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007108:Immune Tolerance; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D014780:Viruses / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D000956:Antigens, Viral; D001324:Autoantigens
keywords: HCV; Sjögren's syndrome; autoimmunity; ectopic germinal centers; rheumatoid arthritis